Strawberry Dream Cheesecake

Sure! Here’s a detailed recipe for a Strawberry Dream Cheesecake. This cheesecake combines a smooth, creamy filling with fresh strawberries on top, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12-14 graham crackers)

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 3 large eggs, at room temperature

• 1 cup sour cream, at room temperature

• 1/4 cup heavy cream

For the Strawberry Topping:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (or more depending on sweetness of the berries)

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, to thicken)

• 1/2 cup water

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).

2. Make the graham cracker crust: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon (if using). Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is well combined.

3. Press the crust: Grease a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray or butter. Press the crust mixture into the bottom of the pan in an even layer. Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass to press it down firmly.

4. Bake the crust: Place the crust in the oven and bake for 10 minutes. After baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. Beat the cream cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

2. Add sugar and vanilla: Gradually add the sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until fully combined.

3. Add eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Be careful not to overmix.

4. Add sour cream and heavy cream: Finally, add the sour cream and heavy cream, mixing just until combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.

5. Pour into pan: Pour the cheesecake filling onto the cooled graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake

1. Bake the cheesecake: Place the springform pan in the oven and bake at 325°F (163°C) for 50-60 minutes. The cheesecake should be set but slightly jiggly in the center when done.

2. Cool in the oven: After baking, turn off the oven and let the cheesecake sit in the oven with the door slightly ajar for about 1 hour. This helps prevent cracking.

3. Chill the cheesecake: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, cover it and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to fully set.

Step 4: Prepare the Strawberry Topping

1. Make the strawberry sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, until the strawberries soften and release their juice.

2. Thicken the sauce (optional): If you’d like a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to make a slurry. Stir it into the strawberry mixture and cook for another 2-3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and let it cool.

3. Cool the topping: Once the strawberry sauce has cooled, you can pour it over the chilled cheesecake.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

1. Top the cheesecake: Once the cheesecake has fully chilled, pour the cooled strawberry topping over the cheesecake, spreading it evenly.

2. Serve: Slice the cheesecake carefully with a sharp knife. If desired, garnish with extra fresh strawberries on top for added flair.

Tips for Success:

• Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure the cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing. This will help avoid lumps in the filling.

• Prevent cracking: Baking the cheesecake in a water bath (by placing the pan inside a larger pan filled with hot water) can help prevent cracks in the surface. However, the slow cooling method outlined above also works well to minimize cracking.

• Fresh strawberries: Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor in the topping. If fresh strawberries are out of season, you can use frozen ones, but fresh usually gives a better texture.